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Family Weekend | Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

WHY ATTEND FAMILY WEEKEND?

S - Share experiences & reconnect with your Osprey.

W - Witness UNF Traditions and campus life.

O - Observe our Nature Preserves.

O - Obtain custom UNF swag.

P - Provide an opportunity for Parents & Families to be an Osprey for a weekend!

Registration

UNF Family Weekend registration is now open! Registration is required for each person attending and includes meals, UNF swag, access to campus facilities and entry to all Family Weekend events. Registration for children under the age of 10 is not required. Students must register through MyNest and are not required to pay for Family Weekend or athletic games. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience campus life, connect with the UNF community and make lasting memories with your Osprey!

Register for Family Weekend!

Family Weekend Schedule

Thursday, February 26th, 2026 - Arriving Early?

  • Early Check-in (3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.): Stop by the Check-in table in the Student Union Osprey Plaza on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
  • UNF Greek Awards (7:00 p.m.): Join the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life in celebrating and highlighting the excellent work of our Greek Life students. Greek Awards will be hosted in the Lazzara Theatre, no prior registration or ticket is required for this event.
  • Men’s Basketball Game versus FGCU in the UNF Arena (7:00 p.m.): You can purchase tickets through the Family Weekend registration link for the men’s basketball games during Family Weekend. If you do not add game day tickets to your registration prior to check-in, you will need to purchase tickets at the Box Office on the day of the game. You can find information about game day protocols here: View our game day protocols.

Friday, February 27th, 2026

  • Check-in (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Stop by the Check-in table in the Student Union Osprey Plaza on Friday, February 27th, 2026.
  • Osprey Welcome (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Join us in the Student Union Osprey Plaza for the ultimate Osprey Welcome. We'll have a photo booth, food trucks and various activities to get you hyped for Family Weekend.
    • 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Get checked in, grab your swag and a bite to eat from the food trucks!
    • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Meet Ozzie and our Fall 2025 Homecoming Royal Court! Don't miss out on the stroll performance from our Divine 9 Greek Students.
    • 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Join us while our Pep band and UNF Cheer Team get us excited for the River City Rumble on Saturday!
    • 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Enjoy the yard games and snap pictures as we wrap up our Osprey Welcome!
  • Welcome Mixer (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.): Meet us in the Student Union Ballrooms to mix and mingle with parents, faculty and staff. Learn more about the different departments and meet student leaders on campus. Beverages and appetizers will be available.
  • UNF Men's Soccer Game versus Flagler at the Hodges Stadium (7:00 p.m.): This game is FREE and open to the Jacksonville Community!
  • Game Night with Housing (8:00 p.m.): Ready, set, play! Join Housing and Residence Life for Family Game Night, a fun-filled evening of classic board games, card games and light snacks. Whether you're stacking cards, rolling dice or cheering on your family, it's the perfect way to connect and unwind on campus.

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

  • Family Picnic at Eco Adventure (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.): Meet us at Eco Adventure to experience our zip line, kayaking and the nature trails. Enjoy some light snacks and connect with nature! Please RSVP for this event here: RSVP. Learn more about Eco Adventure here: UNF: Eco Adventure
  • Late Check-In (11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.): Arriving Late? Stop by the Check-In table at the Green on Saturday, February 28th. This will be your last opportunity to pick up your Family Weekend swag bag.
  • UNF Softball Game versus DePaul University at the UNF Softball Complex (1:00 p.m.): This game is included in the Saturday Athletic Game Day Package.
  • UNF Baseball Game versus Presbyterian College at the Harmon Stadium (2:00 p.m.): This game is included in the Saturday Athletic Game Day Package.
  • UNF Softball Game versus DePaul University at the UNF Softball Complex (3:00 p.m.): This game is included in the Saturday Athletic Game Day Package.
  • Train Campus Tours (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Want a tour of campus but don’t feel like walking? We will have on-campus Train Tours. Additional RSVP required, and more details will be announced closer to the event. We will start and end the route at the Green!
  • Parent & Family Happy Hour (4:30 p.m.): Enjoy drinks, light bites and great company with fellow Osprey families as we celebrate UNF Family Weekend 2026! Hosted in the Boathouse, this Foundation-sponsored gathering is a chance to connect and get excited for a fun night of basketball against JU. This event is FREE, please RSVP under the Athletic Package of the registration link.
  • Men’s Basketball Game versus JU (6:00 p.m.): Meet us at the UNF Arena for the River City Rumble/Senior Night! You can purchase tickets through the Family Weekend registration link for the men’s basketball games during Family Weekend. If you do not add game day tickets to your registration prior to check-in, you will need to purchase tickets at the Box Office on the day of the game. This game is included in the Saturday Athletic Game Day Package.

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

  • Parent & Family Bye Bye Brunch: Let’s close out this weekend with brunch with your Osprey in the Osprey Café. You will receive a ticket in your swag bag for brunch!

Make the most of your time in Jacksonville! What else to enjoy during Family Weekend:

Museum of Contemporary Art

MOCA Jacksonville

333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday

This cultural institute of UNF offers free entry to all Family Weekend participants and students.

MOCA Jax will be offering FREE admission to UNF families during Family Weekend starting Friday, February 27th - Sunday, March 1st.

Eco Adventure Nature Trails

Explore the UNF Nature Trails, which include views of Lake Oneida.

Family Weekend participants can visit the Eco Adventure Nature Trails from sunrise to sundown.

Family Weekend participants who are 18+ also have access to the Student Wellness Complex and its activities upon entry including group fitness, aquatics and the Osprey Cliff. A waiver must be completed at the SWC check-in desk to enter. Sign the waiver here.

UNF Bookstore

The UNF Bookstore will be open for extended hours Friday and Saturday during Family Weekend events.

Stop by using the promo code information found in your Family Weekend tote bag to receive 20% off one apparel or gift item!

Explore Jacksonville

Take time with your student to explore everything Jacksonville has to offer!

Check out Top Golf, The Escape Game at the St. Johns Town Center, iFLY and more!

Two students walking on campus around the bamboo garden

Know Your Way Around

Familiarize yourself with our campus by checking out our campus map!
Campus Map
Blue UNF letter sign sitting in the grass

Places to Stay

Enjoy your stay in Jacksonville by checking out some of the local hotels near our campus!
Local Hotels
  • When is Family Weekend?

    UNF Family Weekend is Thursday, February 26th – Sunday, March 1st.

  • When should we arrive to Family Weekend?

    Guests are encouraged to arrive on Friday morning to take full advantage of the events being offered. We typically begin experiences on Friday afternoon around 12:00 p.m., all-day on Saturday, and leave Sunday open for families to navigate quality time with their student and safe travels home. Start at Family Weekend Check-in!

  • Where should we park?

    Family Weekend guests can park in on campus in various locations free of charge, no permit or pass is required from Friday, February 27th – Sunday, March 1st.

    Garage 38 is the closest parking location to the Student Union and UNF Arena.

    Nose-in parking is required on campus.

    *Please reference our campus map linked in the section above.

  • What if my student has conflicts or campus obligations?

    We are thrilled that you and your student are excited about Family Weekend. Please know that your student will likely still have class responsibilities, exams and study groups during the weekend. Some students also have organization commitments.

    We encourage you and your student to discuss their academic schedule according to their syllabi and any organization commitments prior to booking to ensure you have a positive experience during the weekend. Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for these conflicts.

  • What is the cost to attend Family Weekend?

    Registration is $50 per person. Registration is required for each person attending and includes meals, UNF swag, access to campus facilities and entry to all Family Weekend events. Registration for children under the age of 10 is not required. Students must register through MyNest and are not required to pay for Family Weekend or athletic games.

  • What's included in the Family Weekend swag bag?

    Swag bags include a clear UNF tote bag, a UNF bucket hat, a UNF magnet, and a UNF wrist strap key holder. Swag bags are only for individuals who have purchased registration.

  • Jacksonville Weather & Dress Code

    We recommend casual attire and comfortable walking shoes. Jacksonville temperatures during this time range 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing an umbrella or poncho is highly recommended.

  • Do I need to register/pay for my toddler or children?

    Nope! Guests under the age of 10 can attend for free.

  • How can students register for Family Weekend?

    Students can register in MyNest via MyWings. Once you enter MyNest, click on the events tab, click on Family Weekend and register for the events you would like to attend.

  • Where should we stay?

    There are no specific hotels reserved for Family Weekend. Please reference the "Places to Stay" section above for a list of local hotels.

  • How can I edit my registration?

    Please email family.weekend@unf.edu if you need to change the name or any information on your registration.

  • Can I get a refund?

    Refund requests can be made by Friday, February 27th. Please email family.weekend@unf.edu with your refund request.

  • Add-On Experiences

    Registration does NOT include UNF basketball game tickets and other various add-on experiences. Please be sure to add on game day tickets to your registration if you would like to attend the games.

  • UNF Athletics Game Day

    To get more information on game day protocols regarding bag policy, student tickets, etc., please click the link above located in our schedule.

    UNF Arena Box Office Hours - 1 Hour Prior to Events; Phone Sales: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Monday-Friday | UNF Arena; Feel free to contact ospreytickets@unf.edu if you have any issues with ticketing for the athletic games. Students can sit with their families as long as they go through the designated entrance for Families. Students who are attending the games by themselves can still use the Student entrance.

  • Have any other questions or need further assistance?

    Please contact us by emailing family.weekend@unf.edu.

Thank you from Academic & Student Affairs!

The revenue received from Family Weekend makes it possible for Academic & Student Affairs to continue supporting students through funded staff, programs and operations. Your registration enables us to support families as they support their students, to keep families informed of university happenings and to provide opportunities for families to connect with each other. Your contribution ensures that we can maintain our programs and services while paving the way for new initiatives that will benefit UNF families for years to come!